Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments in the city. Even when precautions are taken, there is a myriad of situations that can cause serious injury. Falls from scaffolds, defective machinery, electrical hazards, and building collapses are only a handful of ways injuries can occur. When a construction accident occurs, who is liable for injuries?
Workers’ Compensation
If a construction worker is injured on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits cover lost wages and medical expenses. They do not, however, cover things like pain and suffering. In the case of a construction accident, a worker may have additional avenues of compensation to pursue.
Contractors and Owners
In New York, there are other parties who may be held liable for construction site injuries. There are a number of laws that protect construction site workers. Although, because of workers’ compensation laws, employers can’t be sued for injuries on a job site, there are others who can be the subject of a lawsuit. Contractors, subcontractors, and building owners may be held liable for injuries on their job sites. Contractors, subcontractors, and building owners have a duty to maintain a safe workplace, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries. Some ways a contractor or owner may be liable include:
- Failing to provide proper safety equipment
- Failing to provide protection from falls
- Improper or inadequate training
- Exposure to asbestos or toxic chemicals
- Injuries due to being struck by equipment
Product Manufacturers
If a construction site injury results from defective or dangerous work equipment, then the manufacturer, designer, and distributor of the product may be held liable in a product liability claim. Manufacturers of products must ensure that their products are safe for users. If a product has a defect or fails to contain proper safety warnings, then manufacturers may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Contact a Construction Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, then you may want to consult with an experienced construction accident attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping injured construction workers for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.